Bjorn Baker is confident James McDonald will provide the magic touch needed to get Malkovich over the line in Saturday's The Warra.
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The horse has proven he is up to black-type class this preparation, however a win has escaped his grasp.
Instead, Malkovich has finished second in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint and Listed Century Stakes.
That form has the four-year-old firming in the market, currently a $1.90 chance. Eleven Eleven is next at $7.50, ahead of Isaurian and Spaceboy at $12.
Baker has long targeted The Warra, the sprinter perfectly suited to the 1000-metre distance and he's optimistic Malkovich will salute in the $300,000 race.
"I hope Saturday is the day he breaks through," Baker said. "He's rock-hard fit, a bit of rain doesn't worry him. He has James McDonald on and a good gate. There's a few things in his favour.
"I haven't looked at the market, but it will be a tough race. I'm not taking anything for granted, especially with him. We can't get carried away, he's in good order and hopefully he runs well."
Should Malkovich prevail in The Warra, Baker will be in the frame for a lucrative afternoon. Soldier Of Love is currently a $26 chance for the $1 million The Gong and comes into the race having claimed the Spring Mile earlier this prep.
The horse will likely roll forward and the trainer expects him to enjoy a soft track if the forecast rain arrives.
"He's running well this prep. If there's a bit of rain around, he doesn't mind a bit of cut in the ground. He's never looked better so I don't think he's out of it."
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